Benefits of Early Glycemic Control for Type 2 Diabetes Persist for Decades

After 24 years, patients who received early treatment still had lower risk for mortality and other adverse events.

In the U.K. Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) between 1977 and 1991, 5000 patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes were randomized to early intensive glycemic control with sulfonylurea or insulin (or, if overweight, with metformin) or to conventional care (diet alone). After 20 years, patients who were randomized to medication had significantly lower risk for a variety of diabetes-related endpoints and for clinically evident microvascular disease (NEJM JW Gen Med Oct 15 1998 and Lancet 1998; 352:837).

In year 1 of a post-trial monitoring study, survivors from both groups had reached similar treatment and glycemic-control goals. However, after 10 years, those who received early medication still had significantly lower risk for all-cause…

Reviewing Author

Bruce Soloway, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsNew RoAR News (http://www.newroarnews.org)

Bruce Soloway, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsNew RoAR News (http://www.newroarnews.org)

Benefits of Early Glycemic Control for Type 2 Diabetes Persist for Decades

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Reviewing Author